RESOURCE
BACK TO PROJECTACCEPTABILITY OF HIV PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS AMONG TRANSGENDER WOMEN IN INDIA: A QUALITATIVE INVESTIGATION
Despite high HIV prevalence among transgender women (TGW) in India, there is limited exploration of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) acceptability. With PrEP licensure pending, we conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) with diverse TGW (n = 36), and eight key informant interviews with community leaders and physicians, in Mumbai and Chennai. Data were explored using framework analysis guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. FGD participants' mean age was 26.1 years (SD = 4.8); two-thirds engaged in sex work. TGW reported low PrEP awareness, with moderate acceptability once PrEP was explained. Population-specific facilitators of PrEP acceptability included its perceived effectiveness in the context of challenges to condom use in serodiscordant relationships and forced sex encounters. PrEP was considered especially appropriate for TGW sex workers; however, barriers were anticipated in the context of hierarchical hijra (indigenous trans identity) kinship networks and gurus' (masters) potential negative reactions to PrEP use by their chelas (disciples). Positive attitudes toward high efficacy and potential covert use were tempered by TGW's concerns about high costs and adherence challenges living with parents or primary partners, and TGW sex workers' unpredictable schedules. Anticipated interactions with feminizing hormones, visible side effects, and PrEP-related stigma within TGW communities emerged as opportunity costs. PrEP implementation for TGW in India should promote comprehensive information on side effects and potential interactions with feminizing hormones, provide free or subsidized PrEP, and highlight the advantages of added protection in sex work and forced sexual encounters. Meaningful engagement with TGW kinship networks can encourage positive transgender community norms on PrEP use and mitigate multifaceted stigma.
ALL RELATED RESOURCES IN THIS PROJECT
3Qs at the U Ep. 6 with Science Sam and Peter Newman
3Qs at the U Ep. 6 with Science Sam and Peter Newman
How to Have Sex in an Epidemic Redux: Reinforcing HIV Prevention in the COVID-19 Pandemic
How to Have Sex in an Epidemic Redux: Reinforcing HIV Prevention in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Parvah
Parvah is a short film on the lives of lesbian, bisexual, and trans-masculine persons highlighting their challenges during the pandemic. Produced by Project Samajh, a unique initiative of The Humsafar Trust and UNAIDS.
Project Samajh has created a social media campaign addressing the specific knowledge needs of the LGBTQ+ community. The objective of this campaign is to make the community aware about the risks of COVID-19 along with HIV, STIs, OIs, other comorbid conditions and mental health problems. The campaign also seeks to inform and empower community members with various support and coping mechanisms. It is our belief that raising awareness a...
Sexual Minorities in the Face of the COVID-19 Storm
Sexual Minorities in the Face of the COVID-19 Storm
'No test, no disease’: Multilevel barriers to HIV testing among young MSM & TGW in Thailand
A qualitative study of multiple barriers to HIV testing among young sexual and gender minority populations in Thailand.
To cite: Fongkaew, K., de Lind van Wijngaarden, J. W., Tepjan, S., Chonwanarat, N., Akkakanjanasupar, P., & Newman, P. A. (2021). ‘No test, no disease’: Multilevel barriers to HIV testing among young men who have sex with men and young transgender women in three <...
Sexual Health among Older Gay Men & Transgender Women in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Sexual Health among Older Gay Men & Transgender Women in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Workshop: Understanding and Providing Quality Care for Sexual and Gender Minorities (LGBTQ+ People)
Workshop: Understanding and Providing Quality Care for Sexual and Gender Minorities (LGBTQ+ People)
LGBT+ inclusion and human rights in Thailand
LGBT+ inclusion and human rights in Thailand
A Scoping Review of LGBT + Inclusion in Thailand: Policy Proposals and Recommendations
A Scoping Review of LGBT + Inclusion in Thailand: Policy Proposals and Recommendations
Impacts of COVID-19 on Transgender People in India
Impacts of COVID-19 on Transgender People in India
Impacts of COVID-19 on Transgender People in India (2)
Impacts of COVID-19 on Transgender People in India (2)
A scoping review of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people’s health in India
A scoping review of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people’s health in India
